Appetizers, Small Bites, & Snacks | Recipes | Thanksgiving Recipes

Easy & Light Thanksgiving Appetizers

ByAnne Danahy, RD PublishedOctober 18, 2022October 30, 2022 Updated onOctober 30, 2022

Let's face it, Thanksgiving isn't exactly famous for appetizers or hors-d'oeuvres. But your guests still need something light to nibble on while they wait for the turkey feast.

These 30+ easy, light Thanksgiving appetizer ideas are sure to temp everyone's taste buds. Whether you're in charge of bringing an appetizer for Thanksgiving dinner or you need a few healthier make-ahead options, you'll find it here.

And don't worry, these appetizers are all light enough to leave plenty of room for the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving Dips and Charcuterie Boards

If you're the cook for Thanksgiving, you already have enough on your plate (pun intended). So it's important to keep things simple. Make one or two of these dips ahead of time, and serve them with a charcuterie board or an assortment of crackers, fruits, and vegetables for a no-fuss appetizer.

Snack boards full of fresh fruits and vegetables also provide a healthy option for anyone trying to limit excess calories or carbs at Thanksgiving dinner or dessert. Filling up on these healthier appetizers before dinner makes it easier to say "no thanks" to that second plate of food later.

Fall Charcuterie Board

This beautiful snack board has something for everyone. Tailor it to your guests' tastes and pair it with one or more dips.

Thanksgiving Vegetable Tray

This fun turkey-shaped vegetable tray is almost too cute to eat!

Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus

Serve this delicious, sweet pumpkin pie-flavored dip with an assortment of fresh fruit for a before or after dinner treat.

Savory Pumpkin Hummus

This savory pumpkin hummus is perfect with fresh vegetables or crackers.

an overhead shot of pumpkin hummus

Mushroom Spread

Mushrooms, cream cheese, and herbs make for a delicious warm or cold dip to spred on toasted bread or crackers.

Try all 3 variations of this dip, which goes perfectly with vegetables, crackers, or crusty bread.

Za'atar Labneh with Crispy Garlic

This Greek yogurt cheese dip is delicious and good for you too. Scoop it up with crackers or toasted naan.

Dill Veggie Dip

Greek yogurt paired with touch of dill and horseradish make this fresh vegetable dip totally delicious, and healthy too.

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

A surprisingly delicious way to enjoy the season's favorite fruit.

Cheese Appetizers for Thanksgiving

Is there any holiday that doesn't go with cheese? Whether you roll it into a ball or log or bake it in a pan, a little bit of cheese is always satisfying. You can assemble these easy Thanksgiving cheese appetizers completely or mostly ahead of time.

Apricot, Pecan and Honey Goat Cheese Ball

This easy make-ahead cheese ball has a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Serve it with fresh fruit and crackers

Apricot Pecan and Honey Goat Cheese Ball|Craving Something Healthy

Thanksgiving Cheese Board

Short on time? Run to the cheese section of the grocery store and pick up an assortment of cheeses to pair with meats, olives, fruit, and nuts. Easiest Thanksgiving hors d'oeuvre ever!

Cranberry Baked Brie

Cranberry Baked Brie is the classic Thanksgiving cheese appetizer! Pop it in the oven just before your guests are set to arrive. Serve this easy appetizer with crackers or toasted slices of French bread.

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

This pumpkin-shaped cheese ball is so fun and makes a great centerpiece for your appetizer table.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

Is there anything more holiday festive than goat cheese coated with herbs, pomegranate arils, and cranberries? Make this in the morning or the night before Thanksgiving for a no-fuss appetizer.

Cheddar Cheese Ball

This classic, pub-style cheese ball is always a favorite.

Goat Cheese Log with Hot Honey, Fig and Pistachios

This easy, mostly make-ahead cheese log has so many delicious flavors.

Baked Brie with Apricot Jam

You only need 4 ingredients and a few minutes in the oven for this swet and savory baked brie recipe.

Small Bites and Nibbles

These light Thanksgiving appetizer ideas are perfect for nibbling while you enjoy a cocktail before dinner. And you can make many of these early in the week. Set out an assortment so guests can try a bite of everything.

Baked Honey Nut Clusters

These are the easiest, tastiest roasted honey nuts. Keep them in an air-tight jar for an instant, light appetizer for the holidays (or anytime!).

Spicy Oven Roasted Chickpeas

Good thing chickpeas are so good for you, because these spicy oven roasted chickpeas are absolutely addictive!

Spicy Oven Roasted Chickpeas|How to Simplify

Pickled Cauliflower with Turmeric & Ginger

Crispy, crunchy cauliflower bites with a sweet and spicy tang.

Garlic Dill Marinated Mushrooms

Perfectly poppable marinated mushrooms are an easy, light, make-ahead appetizer.

Turkey Deviled Eggs

Your guests will gobble up these adorable deviled eggs!

Root Chips

These oven-baked chips are made from purple sweet potatoes, yucca root, and beets!

Root Chips|Spoon Fork Bacon

Cucumber Hummus Bites

What could be easier and more colorful than cucumber slices topped with a scoop of hummus and cherry tomato slices?

Prosciutto Cheddar and Apple Wraps

Just three ingredients make for a delicious, sweet and savory snack.

Soppressata Provolone Cones

This easy make-ahead appetizer is full of lots of salty, savory, and sweet flavors in every bite.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Crisp cooked and cooled asparagus wrapped with thinly sliced prosciutto are a prefect make-ahead light appetizer.

Warm Thanksgiving Hors d' oeuvres

These warm appetizer ideas are still easy to assemble ahead of time. Just bake, broil, or warm them before the doorbell rings.

Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts

Warm sweet potato slices topped with seasoned ricotta cheese, nuts, and cranberries taste like Thanksgiving in every bite!

Bacon Wrapped Raspberry Stuffed Dates

This easy appetizer needs just 3 ingredients and a few minutes in the oven.

Baked Mini Potatoes

This is such an easy and fun appetizer idea! Customize mini baked potatoes with cheese, Greek yogurt, green onions, or whatever toppings you're craving.

Crostini with Roasted Grapes, Goat Cheese, and Pecans

A delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite.

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Assemble these savory bites ahead of time and pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes once your guests arrive.

Pear and Brie Crostini

A few simple ingredients make for an elegant and delicious Thanksgiving appetizer.

Pumpkin & Brie Crostini

This easy appetizer features so many delicious fall flavors and warm, melty brie.

Addictive Artichoke Squares

Make these cheesy artichoke squares in advance and keep them in the freezer for the holidays. Just reheat and serve.

Butternut Squash Crostini

This easy appetizer features roasted and seasoned butternut squash, ricotta cheese and toast. Simple but elegant.

Caramelized Onion Tartlets

These easy, bite-sized tartlets taste like a bite of warm French onion soup wrapped in flaky pastry dough.

Start making your grocery list! Do you have any light and healthier Thanksgiving appetizers that you like to serve? Tag me on Instagram @CravingSomethingHealthy, and let me know!

Eat well!

2 Comments

Kathleen Pope says:

at

What a fabulous list of inspiring appetizers! Making a list now!

Reply
1. Anne | Craving Something Healthy says:
  
  at
  
  Thanks so much Kathleen! And thanks for contributing!
  
  Reply

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